Delhi Court Summons Notary in Defamation Case Between BJP Leader Suresh Nakhua and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee .

News info: A Delhi court has summoned a notary to appear on August 8 at 2 PM to verify documents in a high-profile defamation case filed by BJP leader and Mumbai spokesperson Suresh Nakhua against popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. The legal battle, which has sparked widespread debate, centers around Rathee’s video titled “My Reply to Godi Youtubers,” where he allegedly made defamatory statements against Nakhua, prompting the latter to seek compensation and a gag order.The controversy escalated when Rathee questioned the authenticity of a notary certificate dated January 26—Republic Day, a public holiday—suggesting it raises doubts about its legitimacy. While some argue notarization on holidays is rare, others, including a comment on X, note that notaries in India occasionally work on such days for an extra fee, though official data on Republic Day activity remains limited.The court’s decision follows Rathee’s legal team highlighting defects in Nakhua’s affidavits, a move that echoes a recent judicial trend. On July 31, 2025, a Delhi court dismissed a similar defamation case by AAP leader Satyender Jain against BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, signaling heightened scrutiny of political defamation claims. Nakhua has countered by promising to submit supporting judgments, with the court allowing his request.This case taps into the growing intersection of digital media and legal accountability. With Rathee boasting over 20 million YouTube subscribers, his influence is undeniable, while Nakhua’s lawsuit reflects a rising trend of public figures using defamation laws to challenge online criticism. A 2023 Journal of Media Law study reported a 40% increase in such cases in India since 2019, often sparking debates over free speech.Stay tuned as the legal proceedings unfold, with the notary’s testimony expected to be a key turning point in this politically charged dispute.